Hockey Trade Rumors

It could be all talk and no action for Bryan Murray.

The Senators GM has been working the phones with the trade deadline set for Wednesday at 3 p.m., but if he does make a move he doesn’t think it will be big.

Murray also remains hopeful centre Jason Spezza will return at some point. He confirmed Spezza likely won’t play during the regular season, but hasn’t been ruled out for the playoffs.

“Jason hasn’t skated lately or for awhile now,” said Murray.

“Based on that, I assume it will be difficult for him to get back anytime in the near future. If that changes in the next week or two, we’ll see, but we’re not optimistic that he’s going to play games in the regular season at this point.”

Murray has been trying to see if he can get a top-six forward or a depth defenceman. The Senators have spoken to the Dallas Stars about Rockland native Derek Roy and winger Jaromir Jagr. Either would be a fit, but not at any price.

The Senators have been linked to Calgary defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, but can’t afford the $6.6-million salary he’s going to make next season. Murray insisted he won’t be making any blockbusters.

“I know that we’re not doing much … if anything,” said Murray. “I keep watching the team and I’m fairly happy with our young people with the way they’ve played. If something comes up that is of interest, we’ll certainly explore it.

“But, at the moment, I don’t think we’re going to be driven by the fact that one player (Spezza) is out and not able to play.”

Teams have asked about youngsters like Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad in return for deadline rentals. That’s the kind of deal Murray has no interest in making. He’d be willing to do a draft-pick deal for help.

“We’ve got needs like every team has and if we could add a piece that would make it better in the playoffs, we would do that,” said Murray. “We are in the youth movement. We’ve got a lot of young guys to come still.

http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/03/29/ottawa-senators-gm-bryan-murray-doesnt-expect-to-make-any-big-deals-before-nhl-trade-deadline-wednesday